August 12, 2025  

Created for Greatness; Called to Grow | WT #124

Identity isn’t a destination—it’s an invitation.
There’s a phrase we come back to often: Every person is created in the image of God, and therefore, created for greatness. It’s not just a motivational line. It’s a declaration of dignity—and a call to maturity. The truth is, greatness is not something we achieve once and for all. It’s something we grow into. And in a world that confuses visibility with value, we need to recover a deeper understanding of what greatness actually means. Greatness isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or holding the highest title on the org chart. It’s about becoming more fully the person you were created to be—strong in virtue, steady in adversity, and generous in love. It means leading with integrity when no one is watching, elevating others when it’s inconvenient, and remaining anchored in truth when the winds of culture shift. But here’s what’s often missed: this kind of greatness doesn’t happen by accident. It must be formed. Encouraged. Called forth. It requires a community that sees not just what you are now, but what you’re becoming—and is willing to help you get there. That’s the kind of culture we’re committed to building. One where every team member, student, leader, and volunteer is seen not just as a function or a role—but as a person with potential. A person with purpose. A person whose life, when rightly ordered, can become a gift to others. Growth, after all, isn’t just for personal benefit. It’s how we fulfill the mission we've been entrusted with—both individually and collectively. To be created for greatness means we’re never finished; to be called to grow means we’re never alone on the pilgrimage.

This article was last modified on August 12, 2025 .

About the author 

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.


Tags


You may also like

The C-Suite of Learning | WT #137

Jim Keyes’ “C-Suite of Learning” offers a roadmap for authentic leadership grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and character. This week’s truth explores how leaders move from intelligence to wisdom — and why lifelong learning is essential to sustaining personal freedom, integrity, and democratic responsibility.

Read More

Freedom Starts with Learning | WT #136

Jim Keyes’ story shows that education is far more than academic preparation—it’s the doorway to freedom, character, and opportunity. This week’s truth explores how lifelong learning shapes authentic leaders and why the path to wisdom begins with curiosity. As we honor Keyes as the 2025 Authentic Leader Award recipient, we’re reminded that the freedom to rise begins with learning.

Read More